OU football: DeMarco Murray, Quinton Carter work with MMA trainers

DeMarco Murray said his MMA training was grueling. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Murray and Carter didn't actually box but reaped the benefits.

"Sparring works on your shoulder," Carter said. "Punching the bag gets your endurance up as well as lifting weights. It's not weightlifting but body weight stuff, high rep things."

Murray and Carter said when they returned to Norman in June, they were in the best shape of their lives.

"I didn't do any running," Murray said. "All I did was jump ropes and boxing and lifting. I came back in great shape for Schmitty's workouts. I'll definitely continue to do it. Hopefully, I'll get another chance."

Since he once again will return kickoffs, Murray has a chance to surpass Joe Washington's career all-purpose yards record. He needs 1,648 yards to become the Sooners all-time leading rusher.

Regardless of where he finishes on OU's all-time lists, Murray won't jump inside an octagon like his favorite fighter, UCF welterweight icon Georges St. Pierre.

"Never," Murray said. "I've been to a couple of matches. I love 'em. It's fun, exciting. The atmosphere is crazy. But it's different kind of men. They're real men to be in there."